Pedro Sánchez: "Spain continues to move forwards on the basis of equality, supporting Europe and protecting those who need it most", despite "the merchants of fear"

National Auditorium, Madrid

Group photo of the Anastasio de Gracia Awards ceremony (Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has assured that "we are living in a time in which the merchants of fear promote selfishness, mistrust and authoritarianism", but, nevertheless, "Spain continues to advance on the basis of equality, committing to Europe, protecting those who need it most and transforming our economy in all areas". "And trade unionism - and the UGT in particular - is key for all these values and achievements to reach all our citizens," he added.

He said this at the presentation ceremony of the Anastasio de Gracia 2025 Prizes, awarded by the Manuel Fernández "Lito" Foundation, awards which, he stressed, "are based on the memory of two people who made progress their ideal and the General Workers' Union their tool." "The principles for which Anastasio de Gracia and Manuel Fernández "Lito" fought are today part of the heritage of all Spaniards, even those who deny them. That is the greatness of their struggle: to win rights that we all enjoy today, whatever we think and whatever we vote for," he added.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, presents the Anastasio de Gracia Award to the President of Asturias, Adrián Barbón | Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo

In this edition, an act of recognition was held for the Principality of Asturias, "an incomparable place for its historical, cultural and natural heritage", but above all for the "courage and bravery" of its people, said Sánchez, who recalled that "Asturias was a reservoir of dignity when it was most needed: in the years when this country fought against the dictatorship for its freedoms." These freedoms - he also recalled - "made the approval of our Constitution possible", which "was a collective achievement forged through dialogue, through the generosity of the leaders of the time", but also "thanks to the mobilisation of millions and millions and millions of men and women. And where, by the way, the work of the trade unions was crucial."

Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the work of the President of Asturias, Adrián Barbón, for "attentive governance to everyday problems, to the crucial needs of our people" and remarked that "today Asturias is the autonomous community that takes most care of its public universities", with more than 10,000 euros of investment spending per student, which is more than double what the government of the Community of Madrid allocates. It is also one that invests most in social services, and the one that has most increased investment in public health. "And this commitment to useful policy is paying off, with a reduction of more than 6 points in inequality indicators between 2018 and 2023," he said. "There are communities that cut back and others that strengthen the welfare state. The message is clear: let them learn from Asturias," he said.

The Chief Executive pointed out that these Anastasio de Gracia 2025 Awards also recognise values such as those embodied by Spanish Women's Athletics, which "continues to grow" in our country based on triumphs and extraordinary results, or those that identify the Inclusive Musical Group of the Royal Theatre, "which demonstrates how collective challenges surpass individual capacities, also in spaces of artistic excellence."

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, talks with Silvia Roldán, who was awarded the prize along with her son Eric Domingo | Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo

He also highlighted the award for the European Economic and Social Committee, a body that "promotes social dialogue and is committed to the European Social Pillar", while the award for Silvia Roldán and Eric Domingo, who have been running marathons side by side for almost a decade, "speaks to us of overcoming, of love between a mother and a son, and of social commitment in the face of one of the greatest adversities, such as illness." On this point, he recalled that "our public health system and our Dependency Care System are precisely the collective response to this adversity.

Finally, the president of the Government of Spain referred to the recognition of Miguel Ríos, "our particular king of rock and roll", who is "the heritage of all generations", he remarked.

Non official translation